Description
The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a vibrant fusion of bold, smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors packed into one satisfying meal. Inspired by Mexican street corn (elote), this dish features tender, seasoned chicken, grilled corn, Cotija cheese, and a creamy lime-infused sauce—all served over a warm bed of rice. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving guests, this dish is as easy to make as it is delicious!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive/vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp chili powder (or paprika)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Street Corn Topping:
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (grilled, if possible)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (or extra sour cream)
- 1/2 cup Cotija cheese (or feta/queso fresco), crumbled
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the Rice & Assembly:
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix lime juice, avocado oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade and let them rest in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 8-10 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Let it rest before slicing into strips.
- Prepare the Street Corn Topping
- In a bowl, mix grilled corn, red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, and chili powder.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Stir until well combined.
- Prepare the Rice
- If reheating rice, add a splash of water and warm it in the microwave or on low heat in a pan until fluffy.
- Assemble the Bowls
- Start with a bed of rice.
- Top with sliced chicken, a generous scoop of the street corn mixture, extra Cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve with a lime wedge for added zest.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top before eating.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes for better taste.
- Char the corn for a smoky touch.
- Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in separate containers for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired